.XP Modifications

Windows XP is very customizable. In a great variety of ways, like through the registry, themes, third party utilities..the thing is you cant get it to look just the way you want.....well, almost. Here's what I've done to make my computer to make it look different:

1. First download some different icons. Go here, here, here, here and here. These are good places to download some cool icons.

2. uxtheme.dll is the file that determines whether you can install un-signed themes. Replace it with this file in case if you have SP1 installed. Select this file if you do NOT have SP1. Instructions are included on each zip file. Follow them carefully.

3. Ok, you hacked the uxtheme.dll file. Now you can start downloading visual styles (msstyles) and themes at ThemeXP, Lightstar technologies or Studio 28, among others. Update: more sites to download VSs: here, here and here.

4. If you like the Mac OS X dock (who doesn't?) bar you can download any either Y'z Dock or ObjectDock. Each one has its own pro's and cons, so you're gonna have to try it yourself. If you wanna add system shortcuts to the docks, check out this link. Update: YzDock now supports running applications indicators (white triangle in my pic), clock and cpu monitor (dockelts) and dragging of system shortcuts like My Computer, My Documents and such, so most likely you will have no need to use the registry key shortcuts. Just drag to the dock. You can also use ShortPopUp combined with YzDock to make an icon that when clicked will list the files and folderes in a menu, like this.

5. I haven't tried this, but if you want even more customization, you can use alternative shells, to replace the original windows shell. The most popular alternatives are: LiteStep, Geoshell and SharpE. Dont email me with questions about this shells 'cause I havent tried any. Im just putting this up 'cause some people might be interested.You have to try it yourself.

6. Update: I added this step. Even with visual styles, you can start using shellWM. This one just customizes the titlebar of applications AND provides windows shading. If you just want to be able to shade windows, there's also FreeShade. They both run in the background and provide the shading of pretty much every window in Windows. Even error ones and stuff. Click here if you dont know what shading is.

7. Ok, that's it. If you have any questions about anything except the shell replacements, feel free to email me. Update: again, if something's not working for you, just email me. I'll be glad to help.